A defective ignition switch, which reportedly could have been fixed by spending just 90 cents per car, has proven to be a very costly mistake for General Motors.

The faulty switch, which has been recalled, will likely cost the automaker billions in repairs, fines and litigation, but its true cost is in human lives. Thirteen deaths and 32 car crashes have been linked to the defective switch, according to USA Today.

What’s worse? GM allegedly knew about the issue and did nothing. During a Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection hearing this week, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., the chair of the committee, lambasted GM and chief executive Mary Barra for its “culture of cover-up,” USA Today said.

“It might have been the old GM that started sweeping this defect under the rug 10 years ago. But even under the new GM banner the company waited nine months to take action after being confronted with specific evidence of this egregious violation of public trust,” McCaskill said.

Understandably, GM owners have lots of questions about the recall, what to do and where to go. This Q&A from TorqueNews might help.

Why are the cars being recalled? There is a potential that the ignition switch on the above vehicles may be faulty, which could result in a partial loss of electrical power and engine turn-off. The proper deployment of airbags may also be impacted.

My car is on the list. What do I do? GM should notify you when the parts are available to fix the faulty switch, at which time you can contact your GM dealer and set up a repair appointment. If you are not contacted by GM, call your GM dealer.

I already fixed and paid for this on my own. Now what? When you receive a letter from GM notifying you that parts are available to fix the defective ignition switches, the letter will also include information about how to request reimbursement if you’ve already repaired the problem.

What can I do now, while I wait? Remove all unnecessary weight from your keychain, including the key fob. Use your vehicle key by itself, as there is more risk involved with having a heavy keychain. “The swinging inertia of the weight of the keys is the problem,” Ware Chevrolet service manager Derek Cheek told TorqueNews.

I want more info.Click here to access a site GM developed to help customers understand the safety issues and recall.

Do you drive one of the vehicles impacted by the recall? Share your comments below or on our Facebook page.

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Comments & discussion

We welcome your opinions, but let’s keep it civil. Like many businesses, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. In our case, that means those who communicate by name-calling, racism, using words designed to hurt others or generally acting like an uninformed bully. Also, comments that include links to email addresses or commercial websites typically aren't posted. This isn't a place to advertise your business.

Jcatz4

I own a 2005 Saturn ION and I received a notice about the recall but I am confused because in your article you do not have the year 2005 for the Saturn ION listed. The recall notice I received tells me that I have to wait for another notice to let me know that the parts are available.

Bernice

“2003-2007 Saturn Ions,”

That is from the article. It shows that your 2005 Ion is one of the recalled.

John Hughes

A bit of advise from an ASE Master Auto Technician: GM used to weak spring and to short of a detent assembly that is causing their cars to be recognized for this failure. The fact is ALMOST ALL cars can have this happen if there is to much weight hanging on your key ring and you hit a dip or bump in the road just right to jerk the key ring down. I have my car key, my house key and my alarm fob. Any more and I would consider it risky.

MPH

That’s all pure nonsense. My sons 2012 GMC Sierra shut down with no notice. Everything in the truck went off. It would not restart and yes, he only had one key in the ignition without as much as a key ring. Truck was left until he could come back and get it. It burned to the ground (toast) with nothing left. Insurance company investigated his claim for 9 months and when they could find nothing, they said there was wording in the policy that prevents them from compensating him for his (was then) new truck with 2000 miles on it. $1000.00 a month for a truck he no longer has and its putting him in the pore house.